Yes you do need to sign up with Elfster. The deadline for registration for the exchange is November 1st. Once I close out the registration Elfster matches you up with the person you are exchanging with. By December 1st you will mail your person a Cookie Recipe and a Cookie Cutter and you will receive the same back. The nice thing with Elfster is you can make a wish list along with the link for the cookie cutters you like. I put around 5 cookie cutters on my wish list that way whoever gets me has a choice to pick from. If you have any other questions just let me know